community spotlight
Haven Hospice, in Gainseville
first time the [surviving] children from Sandy Hook Elementary saw each other after the shooting, Magic was there at the Newtown public library,” Garcia-Bengochea shares. “It was the beginning of their healing.” Gentle Carousel likewise helped after the shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Pulse nightclub, in Orlando, the tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma; fires in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and child trafficking incidents in Washington, D.C. Gentle Carousel is also active in the community through literacy and kindness programs held at local libraries, schools and youth centers. During the coronavirus crisis, however, Gentle Carousel has transitioned to FaceTime chats and social media connections. More than half a million Facebook followers can watch Story Time on the Farm with Mr. Jorge, led by Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, co-founder and head trainer, alongside a horse. Gentle Carousel encounters are free of charge, but because of the pandemic, the organization’s annual fundraiser was canceled. Thus, to support the mission, donors can contribute monetary gifts and/or items listed on the charity’s Amazon Wish List. For more information, visit GentleCarousel TherapyHorses.com.
Harbison Extends a Helping Hand to the Community
H
arbison Cattle and Produce is a 7,000-acre family-run farm that has been in the family since the early 1700s. They sell food from seed to customer. Owner Troy Harbison says, “When we grow it, there’s no middleman.” They also sell their own grass-fed and grain-fed farm-grown cattle; quarter halves and whole beef sides using no hormones or GMOs. They offer Amish cheese, butter, bacon, salami, baloney, summer sausage, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods and have their own chickens/eggs, but also supplement eggs from other farms. They have been in business as an open farm market for 26 years. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, Harbison immediately offered the farm as an option for displaced sellers and vendors that lost their spots at other events and open markets, giving them free booth space anytime they needed it. When he noticed that some customers were short on money to buy fresh food, he set up a relief and assistance fund with donations from the public, matching them
with money from Harbison Farms Cattle & Produce. He prefers people to have a recommendation for assistance from an organization. The farm is in need of cash donations to support the food assistance fund. “We have a lot of new ones [customers] now, of course, with everything that’s going on,” says Harbison. Due to the current situation, the farm offers free curbside pickup. Customers can check Facebook for available items and pricing, then text Harbison with their grocery list, drive up to the produce shed, text to notify him of their arrival and someone will bring out the items. Those 65 and older get free delivery with a 6 percent convenience fee; under 65 incurs a charge of $1.25 per mile after 10 miles plus a 6 percent convenience fee. Harbison watches for food hoarders and does not allow bulk buying. Harbison Farm Cattle & Produce is located at 4696 NE County Rd. 329, in Anthony. For more information, call 352-239-3552, email gvtharbison@embarqmail.com or visit Tinyurl.com/HarbisonFarm.
When we grow it, there’s no middleman. ~Troy Harbison May 2020
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